Autoblog may receive shares from purchases made through the links on this page. Prices are available and subject to change.
Your change the battery quite simple, but you need to do it properly to avoid dead battery and short circuit. We will show you how.
View all of us Autoblog Wrenched video for more tips on diagnosing, fixing, and modifying cars from expert detailer Larry Kosilla. While you’re at it, check out Larry’s other auto maintenance and cleaning video series Automatic log details!
Materials used:
Instructions (Video Recording):
[00:00:00] Changing the battery is pretty simple, but there are a few things you need to remember to avoid dead batteries and short circuits. Here are the tools you’ll need to do it yourself. New batteries, wrench or socket, screwdriver, gloves, wire brush, grease the battery, baking soda and goggles. I’m Larry Kosilla, detail expert and coach for the past 15 years. But when it comes to what’s underneath, I’m a student. Follow me as the experts teach me how to diagnose, repair and modify cars on AutoBlog’s Wrenched.
[00:00:30] As you can tell, I’ve been using this car for a long time and the battery has finally drained on me. And I didn’t leave the lights on for three days or anything like that. So what can cause the battery to die? – There’s a lot of heat trapped inside your engine bay and your battery has water in it, so if too much water evaporates out of the battery, your battery could die. Other ways that can cause your battery to fail is if you overcharge, over discharge, heat or vibrate too much. – [Larry] Even if your battery isn’t affected by one of these issues, all batteries have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced.
[00:01:00] Another common reason for low or no power could be a bad generator. But if you know the problem is with your battery, here’s how you can change it. Step one is to find the CCA or Cold Amps of the battery recommended by the manufacturer. This basically determines how much power you have to start the car in most climates. Visit your local auto shop and give them the make, model and year of your car so they can match it to the correct CCA. Then double check this with your car’s manual,
[00:01:30] to make sure you’re using the right sized battery and power source. Then, turn off the car, pull out the key and find the radio code. To remove the battery, start with the cathode or ground side first. Generally this is the black terminal, but check the symbol on the pin to be sure. If you start with the anode, which is usually red, and accidentally touch another piece of metal, you will short the anode to the rest of the vehicle, the rest of the vehicle still grounded. To avoid that, let’s start with ground first to give yourself a dead battery as soon as possible.
[00:02:00] However, be very careful not to accidentally let your ratchet touch both terminals. Sparks will fly, you will get shot and obviously not good for the battery. Then remove the red or positive side of the battery. No need to completely remove the bolt, just loosen it enough to wobble from the terminal. Currently, most batteries have some kind of lanyard or holder to secure the battery in place, preventing the battery from tipping over during vigorous or heavy rotation. brake situation. Keep in mind that you may need additional extensions
[00:02:30] on your ratchet to reach this pin. When lifting the battery, be sure to hold it straight up and down and grasp it from the bottom or use the handle. Batteries typically weigh about 40 pounds, so make sure you have a good grip and don’t bounce back or crush your fingers. What’s more important is not to drop it on the paint. The next step, although optional, is to clean the battery tray with a vacuum cleaner. Not really necessary, but you know me, I can’t help myself. Now, if you happen to see that white powder on the tray or holder or even the cable connectors
[00:03:00] themselves, this is usually the result of a sulfuric acid chemical reaction from a leaking battery and can be the cause of the battery’s failure. You can remove this corrosive layer with a wire brush, but be careful not to inhale the white powder. Likewise, a mixture of baking soda and old toothbrush broth will neutralize the acid with the base of the baking soda. Whichever method you choose, make sure that the battery terminals and leads are clean before you insert a new battery. In our case we are replacing all the batteries together, so there is no need to spend time on old terminals.
[00:03:30] Before installing a new battery, clean the terminals and lubricate the battery, known as a dielectric grease, to help minimize future corrosion. Now place the new battery in the holder and secure it with the fastener. It is extremely important to attach the anode or red terminal before reinserting the battery for the same reason as we discussed when removing the battery. Likewise, the rule not to touch both terminals together still applies, so watch where your tools are located. Finally, attach the black terminal
[00:04:00] and tighten with your ratchet until the clamp or bolt can no longer twist. No need to over tighten. Before closing the cover, shake the battery gently to double check that it is safe. Then make sure the car starts. Now, the only thing to do is reprogram your favorite radio stations. Oh my gosh, there’s nothing worse than that! Well, maybe not as bad as sitting in a parking lot in the rain, with a dead battery. For more Car Repair Videos, visit autoblog.com/wrenched. I’m Larry Kosilla, from AmmoNYC.com. As always, thanks for watching. (Upbeat music)
